4 Common Buildings That Amplify the Need for Trade Certified Specialists

May 30, 2022

Technology is evolving rapidly. New buildings are being fitted with high-tech finishes and old building are being upgraded to keep up with advancements.

The construction industry is booming with installations and upgrades to accommodate new and improved technologies surrounding the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT refers to the wide array of devices and objects with sensors that can connect to and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet and other networks. Think: security/alarm systems; access points with keycards or fobs; motion-censored lighting; remote thermostat control. The list goes on. Network Cabling Specialists are responsible building the infrastructure highway for this data.

4 Job Sites That Require Highly Trained Specialists

Whether it’s a high-rise apartment building, residential, industrial, commercial, or institutional, there’s a heightened level of security and technology going into these integrated buildings. While it’s not yet compulsory to have a trade license to work in network cabling, certain job sites highlight the importance of formal training and proper certification: who should install what types of cable infrastructure, how to install these systems properly, and in what environments.

Smart Buildings

Smart building are a reflection of how far technology has advanced. These highly integrated buildings connect everything from motion detection, to security, to integrated climate control. Smart devices that manage the lights, coffee maker, and thermostat might not seem to require much expertise, but it goes much deeper. More advanced installations could include access control points where you’re swiping to gain access into a particular building location, office, or even rooms housing sensitive information or materials. Ensuring proper installation and setup of these access points is crucial to ensure the security of staff, guests, and even proprietary information.

Police Stations

Police stations and 9-1-1 Dispatch centres are highly integrated buildings. Everything from the people inside to documents and certain contents rely on the infrastructure data-highway installed by network cabling specialists. It’s imperative that the specialists installing these systems are well-trained and up-to-speed on the latest installation advancements.

Banks

Network Cabling Specialists work with the integrators to assist those installing the hardware and establishing the bank software. The same goes for the bank’s intrusion buttons and panic alarms, which are no longer installed by security companies. These systems now operate over twisted pair cable, something Network Cabling Specialists are very familiar with.

Hospitals

In Ontario, every new hospital has an emergency management crisis center. If a catastrophe occurs – natural or otherwise – the office of emergency management takes over. And its Network Cabling Specialists who installed the cables.

We Need More Network Cabling Specialists to be 631A Trade Certified

“If you’re going to pick up the tools to work in a trade, you should have the goal of getting that trade certification.” – Brad Watt

Achieving your 631A license through apprenticeship or by challenging the exam can help secure your career as buildings continue to rely on the integration of various systems. Ensuring the workforce is properly trained is our passion. Providing contractors with well-trained, licensed network cabling specialists ensures the high degree of competencies necessary on sensitive job sites.

At IBEW, we’re focused on building careers, not just working jobs. If you’re looking to advance your career as a Network Cabling Specialist, make sure you get the latest updates from IBEW by email and find out how to take the exam.

Contractors can learn more about partnering with the ECAO and IBEW to gain access to highly skilled licensed 631A workforce by clicking here.